9-12 Social Studies Overview

What is Social Studies and why we study them?NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR THE SOCIAL STUDIES (NCSS) defines social studies as:

"...the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence. Within the school program, social studies provides coordinated, systematic study drawing upon such disciplines as anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography, history, law, philosophy, political science, psychology, religion, and sociology, as well as appropriate content from the humanities, mathematics, and natural sciences. The primary purpose of social studies is to help young people make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world." (The definition was officially adopted by National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) in 1992).

United States History - Social Studies Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE)
High School Courses (9-12)

Government- Gifted students, advanced content or highly motivated students may elect to take AP Government*
The government course provides students with a background in the philosophy, functions, and structure of the United States government. Students examine the philosophical foundations of the United States government and how that philosophy developed. Students also examine the structure and function of the United States government and its relationship to states and citizens.
*Advanced Placement is a college level course, taken by high school students who will take a nationally administered norm-referenced exam, at the end of the course. The College Board with strict curricular guidelines administers the AP program. Each AP teacher has had their course syllabus approved by the College Board authenticating the rigor and relevance to college level work. Should a student score a three, four or five on the AP exam, colleges may grant credit for that class.

Sophomore Year - Tenth (10th) Grade
World History - Gifted students, advanced content or highly motivated students may elect to take AP World History*
The high school world history course provides students with a comprehensive, intensive study of major events and themes in world history. Students begin with a study of the earliest civilizations worldwide and continue to examine major developments and themes in all regions of the world. The course culminates in a study of change and continuity and globalization at the beginning of the 21st century.
*Advanced Placement is a college level course, taken by high school students who will take a nationally administered norm-referenced exam, at the end of the course. The College Board with strict curricular guidelines administers the AP program. Each AP teacher has had their course syllabus approved by the College Board authenticating the rigor and relevance to college level work. Should a student score a three, four or five on the AP exam, colleges may grant credit for that class.

Junior Year - Eleventh (11th) Grade
US History - Gifted students, advanced content or highly motivated students may elect to take AP US History*
The high school United States history course provides students with a comprehensive, intensive study of major events and themes in United States history. Beginning with early European colonization, the course examines major events and themes throughout United States history. The course concludes with significant developments in the early 21st century.
*Advanced Placement is a college level course, taken by high school students who will take a nationally administered norm-referenced exam, at the end of the course. The College Board with strict curricular guidelines administers the AP program. Each AP teacher has had their course syllabus approved by the College Board authenticating the rigor and relevance to college level work. Should a student score a three, four or five on the AP exam, colleges may grant credit for that class.

Senior Year - Twelfth (12th) Grade**
Economics - Gifted students, advanced content or highly motivated students may elect to take AP Economics*
Economics is the study of how individuals, businesses, and governments make decisions about the allocation of scarce resources. The economics course provides students with a basic foundation in the field of economics. The course has five sections: fundamental concepts, microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economics, and personal finance. In each area, students are introduced to major concepts and themes concerning that aspect of economics. These sections and the standards and elements therein may be taught in any order or sequence.
*Advanced Placement is a college level course, taken by high school students who will take a nationally administered norm-referenced exam, at the end of the course. The College Board with strict curricular guidelines administers the AP program. Each AP teacher has had their course syllabus approved by the College Board authenticating the rigor and relevance to college level work. Should a student score a three, four or five on the AP exam, colleges may grant credit for that class.

American Government- Gifted students, advanced content or highly motivated students may elect to take AP Government*
The government course provides students with a background in the philosophy, functions, and structure of the United States government. Students examine the philosophical foundations of the United States government and how that philosophy developed. Students also examine the structure and function of the United States government and its relationship to states and citizens.

Electives (Electives offered vary based on interest and school staff)
Psychology, Sociology, US & World Affairs, Current Issues, AP Human Geography
AP European History, Comparative Religions, US History in Film, The Individual and the Law